Adoption can be difficult, but rewards are great

Spectrum, by Lt. Gov. Loren Leman

November is National Adoption Month. Some of my most satisfying work in public service has been assisting with the adoption of 11 children into loving Alaska families. Carolyn and I have three children and I know the joys and challenges that children bring. Few things are as rewarding as supporting and guiding a child.

I am saddened by the case in Wasilla involving five adopted children allegedly abused by their adoptive parents and grandparents. Children who are separated from their biological parents for whatever reason deserve our protection, love and concern.

While attention is focused on the allegations of abuse made against the adults in the Wasilla case, we should not lose sight of the many adults who have lovingly embraced children into their families. Adoption is difficult, tedious and expensive for prospective parents. For the children, who have been abandoned at least once, adoption can seem like a house of cards -- ready to fall down at any moment until that happy day when they hear the adoption is final.

In 2003, President Bush signed the Adoption Promotion Act to continue tax incentives for families to adopt and to add incentives for parents to adopt older children.

I am pleased to see many Alaska families look to adoption. It is heartening to see Native leaders encouraging adoption to keep children with their extended families. Other cultures have similar concerns. Children need love and support and often can get it from those close to them.

To increase awareness of adoption, I will be hosting an adoption e-mail discussion list and offering information and links to adoption resources on my Web site.

For more information about adoption, visit the Office of Children's Services' Web site at http://hss.state.ak.us/ocs/Adoptions/default.htm and the National Adoption Month Web site: http://national-adoption-month.adoption.com/.

You can e-mail me at Lt_Governor@gov.state.ak.us, call me at (907)269-7460 or 465-3520, or write to: Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, P.O. Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811. Visit my Web site at www.ltgov.state.ak.us and if you wish, sign up for my weekly e-mail report.

Loren Leman is Alaska's lieutenant governor.